Aire Cathedral, Aire-sur-l'Adour, France

Aire Cathedral, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, is located in the town of Aire-sur-l'Adour. It was the seat of the Bishops of Aire until the diocese was abolished in 1801 and again from 1822 when the diocese was restored; in 1857 it was renamed the Diocese of Aire and Dax. In 1933 the bishop moved to Dax, making Dax Cathedral his seat, when the cathedral at Aire became a co-cathedral.

The cathedral is situated in the lower town, where the bishops used to live. In origin a structure of the 11th and 12th centuries, it was subject to much alteration between the 14th and 17th centuries and its present appearance shows a variety of styles. The great rotunda on the chevet is especially noticeable. From the 12th century there remain three bays and an apse.

The severe 13th century façade, surmounted by a tower with a slate roof, has a simple vaulted portal with a pointed arch. The present sacristy is in origin a chapter house of the 14th century, with Gothic vaulting supported by central pillars; this is of Tolosan construction and evokes the 'palm trees' of the Dominicans. The nave has ogive vaults of the 14th century. The quire is flanked by four apsidioles giving onto the transept. The organs and side-altars are of the late 18th century, as are the stalls, the high altar and the rest of the handsome furnishings.

While the apse is being extended towards the park, the orangery, a stone building of the 17th century, is being used for temporary exhibitions.

The overall dimensions of the cathedral are 48 metres in length, 8 metres in width across the nave and 15 metres in height to the highest point of the vault.

Aire Cathedral marks a stage on the Via Podiensis, one of the pilgrimage routes of the Way of St. James of Compostela, running from Le Puy-en-Velay to Santiago de Compostela via the Pass of Roncevaux.

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Beckov Castle

The Beckov castle stands on a steep 50 m tall rock in the village Beckov. The dominance of the rock and impression of invincibility it gaves, challenged our ancestors to make use of these assets. The result is a remarkable harmony between the natural setting and architecture.

The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.

The next owners, the Bánffys who adapted the Gothic castle to the Renaissance residence, improved its fortifications preventing the Turks from conquering it at the end of the 16th century. When Bánffys died out, the castle was owned by several noble families. It fell in decay after fire in 1729.

The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.

Nad Nad (Nadnad) (3 years ago)
Very nice church

Le Grems (3 years ago)
The architecture is striking and magnificent. Beautiful weddings or tributes are celebrated there. To visit.

Maria-Paz Latorre Naval (3 years ago)
Very beautiful cathedral. especially its interior decoration with paintings on all the columns, arches, vaults etc... Nice surprise.

Bastien Thierry (4 years ago)
Very beautiful cathedral, I like to go there in the summer because it is cool inside

Axiien89 lfbv (4 years ago)
From the outside we are far from thinking that it is a cathedral but inside we understand better why it is one, sumptuous decorations.

Aire Cathedral

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